METAIRIE, La. – The Saints struggled at every position group in Sunday’s stunning loss to the St. Louis Rams, but the offensive line had a particularly bad day.

They allowed six sacks, which was the most since Sean Payton and Drew Brees arrived in 2006, and they failed to get any push in the running game. In the first half, the Saints ran the ball nine times for 18 yards. It was especially bad considering the Rams defense had been the worst in the NFL against the run and that the Rams didn’t do anything exotic on defense to throw the Saints off their game. Much of their pressure came from a basic four-man rush.

The Saints’ biggest problem appeared to be a matter of emotion and energy. They were simply beaten in individual battles across the line of scrimmage by a team that was more motivated. That’s especially inexcusable for Pro Bowl guards Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks and solid left tackle Jermon Bushrod, all of whom are talented enough to win those individual battles on a more consistent basis. They need to set the tone up front.

The Saints are less proven on the right side of the line, where second-year pro Charles Brown had his worst game to date Sunday after showing promise in recent weeks. Brown was injured during the game, and the extent is unknown. So one way or another, the Saints may decide to turn back to more experienced veteran Zach Strief at right tackle. Strief won the job in training camp but missed the last month with a sprained MCL. He returned to practice last week and should be back to full speed soon. …

Notes: Quarterback Drew Brees also had his worst game of the season. He threw two bad interceptions while admittedly trying to force the ball downfield. The first set up a touchdown late in the second quarter. The second was returned for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Brees has been exceptional at times this year, and he remains the No. 1 reason why the Saints can win every game and make another Super Bowl run this year. But he has thrown another 10 interceptions this year, which is tied for the most in the NFL. Most of them have come in similar situations, where the Saints are playing from behind. They need to start faster more consistently to keep this season from becoming a weekly high-wire act.